Afghanistan’s Herat has launched the second phase when it comes to the construction of the fourth segment of the Herat–Khawf railway, therefore marking a major step forward in boosting the country’s connectivity with Iran as well as Europe.
With a budget of more than $54 million, this 47-kilometer section contract has been awarded to Afghan Gama, along with a Russian company, by the Ministry of Public Works. Officials went on to say that the project, which is due to be completed in under three years, is going to cut transit costs and at the same time also strengthen the trade capabilities of Afghanistan.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Maulana Islam Jar, the Herat province governor, stressed the importance of railways when it comes to economic growth. He said that the completion of this section is going to interlink the Herat–Khawf railway, thereby helping Afghanistan’s connection to Iran as well as Europe by way of rail,” he said. The project is sure going to bring about many enhancements in the export and import domains of the nation, therefore leading to a substantial decrease in terms of the transit costs.
It is well to be noted that this launch coincides with certain broader regional initiatives so as to transform Afghanistan into a transport hub. Apparently, in August 2025, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan inked a protocol of intent so as to begin work on the Turgundi–Herat–Kandahar–Spin Boldak railway line, which is a project that’s all set to connect Central Asia with South Asia.
The protocol that has been signed between the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan goes on to commit the former to the Turgundi–Herat section as the first stage. Officials have said that the line would eventually link Central Asia to Indian Ocean ports, thereby providing Kazakhstan direct maritime access.
A major feature of the plan happens to be the development of a logistics hub based in Herat in order to support cargo operations. The project also happens to include the installation of a fiber-optic cable throughout the route in order to enhance digital infrastructure, enhance rail safety, and at the same time also offer nearby communities high-speed internet access.
In order to manage operations, the three countries look forward to creating a joint venture under the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, during his visit to Afghanistan, also met the Minister of Civil Aviation and Transport of Afghanistan, Hamidullah Akhundzada. Discussions went on to cover operating direct flights between the two countries, supplying the Kazakh-built vehicles, and, at the same time, widening educational exchanges for Afghan students.
Put together, the Herat–Khawf expansion along with the Kazakhstan-Afghanistan railway agreement goes on to illustrate growing momentum for integration into regional transport networks of Afghanistan, with probable advantages in terms of trade and investment as well as a long-term economic balance.
